Trendwatch: The Strait of Hormuz: Walking a Tightrope; Possible Houthi blockade of Bab al-Mandeb a new threat to sea trade; Japan–US container trade falls 4 per cent in February

The Strait of Hormuz: Walking a Tightrope

Anyone hoping for an official “open” or “closed” sign at the Strait of Hormuz is going to be disappointed. While a few vessels are slipping through, often close to Iranian waters with their Authentic Identification System (AIS) switched off, it’s far from business as usual. The possibility of mines in the water poses a very real threat and has created a palpable sense of fear. 

The rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump has only further complicated matters. His 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to either reopen the Strait or face strikes on power plants has expired, although attacks were placed on hold due to “productive discussions,” which Iran insists have not taken place. The markets relaxed for a moment, with the prices of oil dipping, before everyone remembered that postponement is not resolution. 

Possible Houthi blockade of Bab al-Mandeb a new threat to sea trade

The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden are two key stretches of water essential for global trade. The 18-mile-wide Bab al-Mandeb is an essential gateway at the southerly end of the Red Sea. It is important for dry bulk, tanker, gas, chemical and container trades from Asia to Europe via Suez. 

Japan–US container trade falls 4 per cent in February

Container volumes from Japan to the US declined 4.1 per cent year-on-year in February 2026 to 42,657 TEUs, according to Descartes Datamyne.

On a monthly basis, volumes fell 15.3 per cent from January levels, while total shipments for the first two months of the year reached 93,034 TEUs, down 3.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.

Cargo Theft Hits $6.6 Billion as Criminals Go Digital

Cargo theft in North America is becoming more sophisticated and costly, with total losses estimated at $6.6 billion in 2025, according to a new report from Geotab.

The company said theft is no longer just about stolen trailers or unattended loads. Instead, criminal groups are increasingly using cyber tactics such as GPS spoofing, stolen credentials, and AI-driven phishing to gain access to shipments and move them without raising immediate alarms.

Lufthansa Cargo increases Delhi and transpac flying for the summer

The Frankfurt-hubbed carrier said that for its summer flight schedule, which came into effect over the weekend, it had increased its transpacific route from Ho Chi Minh via Shanghai to Los Angeles to a frequency of two per week.

And, starting in May, Delhi will be reintroduced into the freighter network with one weekly connection in order to better serve the important Indian market with six connections per week.

The carrier also has freighter flights to Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Cathay Pacific restarts Seattle flights, expands cargo capacity

Cathay Pacific will resume its non-stop passenger service between Hong Kong and Seattle from today, 30 March 2026, restoring a trans-Pacific link that also adds cargo capacity to its network. The airline will operate five return flights per week on the route, reintroducing bellyhold capacity at a time of sustained demand across Asia-North America trade lanes.

Port of Oakland recognized for effort to protect whales and the environment

The Port of Oakland will receive a special Gold Award by the organization Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) on April 22 for participation in the 2025 Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season. The Port joined BWBS last year as one of its Program Ambassadors to help protect migrating whales and coastal air quality. Ambassadors work with participating shipping lines and help encourage greater industry participation in voluntary efforts that reduce fatal strike risk to endangered whales, air and underwater noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Japan hits milestone with hydrogen ship engine test

Japan has taken a step closer to hydrogen-powered shipping, with a full-scale main engine for a commercial vessel successfully running on hydrogen in factory tests.

Japan Engine Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries said their large, low-speed two-stroke engine has achieved hydrogen co-firing across all cylinders, reaching more than 95% hydrogen use at full load.